When it comes to a facelift, there are a few different options to choose from, depending on the extent of the procedure that you may require and what area of the face is being targeted.
Two common types are the classic facelift (also known as a full facelift, SMAS facelift and meloplasty) and the mini facelift. There’s also the deep plane facelift, but for this blog, we will just focus on these two types of facelift procedures.
While both aim to address changes in the lower face and jawline, the differences between them come down to the depth of the surgery, the incision pattern, and how much of the underlying tissue will be surgically repositioned.
If you’re trying to work out which procedure might be suitable for you, it helps to understand exactly what each procedure involves and how they compare in terms of extensiveness, results, and recovery.
What does a classic facelift involve?
The classic facelift, referred to in surgical terms as a meloplasty, is a more extensive procedure that typically focuses on lifting and repositioning deeper layers of facial tissue, particularly in the lower face and upper neck.
It usually involves incisions that begin around the temples, continue around the ears, and may extend into the hairline behind the ears. Through these incisions, Dr Rastogi will reposition the underlying muscle and connective tissue (known as the SMAS layer), and remove excess skin if required.
Since the procedure addresses deeper structures, it allows for a more structural repositioning of the tissues, rather than only adjusting the skin. This is one of the main differences when compared to less extensive facelift techniques.
A classic facelift may sometimes include some focus on the platysma muscle in the neck as well, depending on how the area has changed and whether it’s part of the surgical plan.
It’s not uncommon for a classic facelift to be combined with other procedures that focus on the upper face, especially if a patient wants to address multiple areas of the face at once. However, on its own, the facelift procedure is mainly aimed at lifting and addressing the mid and lower face and jawline.
How is a mini facelift different?
Essentially, the mini facelift is a more limited version of the classic approach. The incisions are usually shorter and typically confined to the area around the ears.
Since the procedure steps are somewhat more conservative, it tends to involve less repositioning of deeper tissue and focuses more on lifting and tightening the skin, along with typically only a minor adjustment of the SMAS layer.
This type of facelift is generally better suited to those with milder changes in the lower face, or those who may not yet need the full extent of surgery that a classic facelift provides. The procedure tends to have a shorter operating time and less disruption to deeper structures of the face.
Unlike a full facelift, a mini facelift usually doesn’t involve the neck area, and won’t address more extensive concerns around the platysma muscle or tissue beneath the jaw. That’s why it tends to be offered more often to younger patients or those looking for a less extensive procedure approach.
Who might be more suitable for each type of facelift procedure?
Overall, the suitability for classic and mini facelifts aren’t necessarily defined by age alone, but age can sometimes indicate the extensiveness of the changes that may have occurred in the facial tissue, including in the deeper structures of the face.
A classic facelift is generally more suitable when there are structural changes in the deeper layers of the lower face and neck, especially when the skin and underlying tissue have changed to a degree that requires more than just a more superficial adjustment.
On the other hand, a mini facelift might be considered when changes are less significant and more localised to the lower face, without extending much into the neck. It’s sometimes referred to as a “short scar” facelift because of the reduced incision length.
How do the procedures compare when it comes to recovery?
The recovery time for any procedure will depend on how extensive the surgery was, but in general, a classic facelift will involve more downtime compared to a mini facelift.
This is because there’s more changes that will be made further beneath the skin, which can lead to a longer period of swelling and bruising.
For a classic facelift, it’s common for patients to need around two to three weeks of the initial recovery period, and longer for swelling to completely subside.
In comparison, the mini facelift tends to involve less of a disruption to the face’s deeper structures, so the recovery tends to be shorter. That said, even with a smaller procedure, swelling and bruising are still expected in the first week or two, and activity will still need to be relatively restricted during this time to allow the body to fully heal.
Regardless of which type of facelift surgery is performed, it’s important that aftercare instructions are followed closely and that any concerns during recovery are discussed with Dr Rastogi directly.
How long do the results of each procedure commonly last?
Since the classic facelift addresses the deeper structures of the face, it typically offers longer-lasting results than a mini facelift.
Over time, natural tissue changes will still occur, but repositioning the SMAS layer and adjusting the platysma muscle can often lead to results that last longer, especially if the tissues are well-supported and the healing process goes as expected.
The mini facelift, while still effective for suitable candidates, tends to have a shorter duration of results simply because it doesn’t make the same degree of changes to the deeper tissue. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not an option, it just depends on what level of adjustment is needed and what the procedure is aiming to achieve.
Some patients who start with a mini facelift may later go on to have a classic facelift once more structural change is needed. Others may find that combining a mini facelift with other treatments or procedures helps maintain a certain level of change for a little while longer.
See Cosmetic Doctor, Dr Rastogi in Double Bay, Sydney
To find out whether a classic facelift or mini facelift may be better suited to your individual needs, a consultation will be needed to assess your facial tissue and discuss your procedure goals.
Cosmetic doctor, Dr Rastogi will explain your options, get a clear sense of what areas of the face you want to focus on, and recommend what may be more suitable for you. After a detailed discussion, you can then make an informed decision about which type of facelift procedure you would like to have.
Please contact our team if you would like to meet with Dr Rastogi in Double Bay, Sydney!
